Both the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps got some MLS action yesterday, the first for the Timbers. Each did fairly well in their preseason MLS debuts too.

The Timbers continued their unbeaten pre-season with a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy. The match was a physical one with players eager to prove their worth as rosters are trimmed before the start of the season. Argentine midfielder Miguel Lopez was sent off midway through the first half after a clumsy challenge on Steve Purdy.

Galaxy rookie Paolo Cardozo opened the scoring in the 47th Minute but the Timbers countered immediately with a goal from Ugandan trialist Bryan Umony in the 51st minute.

The Whitecaps on the other hand won their preseason game against the Columbus Crew 2-1. Vancouver had an impressive showing against the Crew, a game-winner from its 17-year-old No. 1 draft pick Omar Salgado was equally impressive.

Second-half substitute Atiba Harris scored the match’s first goal in the 62nd minute. Harris then sent in a cross for Salgado to head in the eventual game-winner a minute after the Crew’s Eddie Gavin equalized off a penalty kick in the 76th minute.

Salgado is slowly proving why he was the number one pick. Its still a shame that we won’t be able to see this kid play until the fall when he turns 18. On the flip side number two pick Darlinton Nagbe (pictured above) looks to be settling in fairly well too.

It is still early in the preseason but so far the two expansion teams appear to be holding their own. Each still have a long way to go before the season begins.